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I am a fan of podcasts. I am always looking for ideas, inspiration and information. So whether I am at home, on my walk or in the car, I seek out ways to feed my brain. One of the regular podcasts I listen to is Design*Sponge's Grace Bonney's After the Jump
. And while listening to a recent podcast the book Daily Rituals: How Artists Work was recommended (find it my bookstore - page 27)
. One consistent theme many of the artists suggested was adhering to regular routines that take the decision-making out of the "have-tos" in our day to day lives which frees their minds for the creative process, as well as waking up early to get the day started.
I couldn't agree more with both of these suggestions. While I am always fine-tuning my regular routine, waking up early has always been part of my schedule. I find it to be the most tranquil, yet productive part of the day. Even in my travels, it is in the morning that I enjoy taking in the sites as the lines are shorter or non-existent and the natural beautiful is offered without the superficial extras.
Speaking of travels. As I type this, I have just returned from an early morning walk on the beach, listening to the soft roar of the ocean as the dogs romp free of leash on the soft wet sand. It is this week that I finally escaped for a bit of rest and relaxation to calm my mind and kickstart it for a fall that is full of projects, dreams coming true and so many more wonderful things to come.
Just as vital as working hard and beyond expectation to meet our goals is taking a needed respite from time to time. And while my trip to Paris was a dream of a getaway that exceeded my expectations, it was full of exploring, seeking, doing and learning. In contrast, upon pressing send on this newsletter, the computer is going off, actual books are being opened and I am staying put, letting my mind go where it will (perhaps desiring a few naps for rest), until I need to return home and rev up my engines once again.
Speaking of stepping away from technology . . . while so many of us have become accustomed to the benefits and extra information at our fingertips that our gadgets provide, stepping away or making regular tech free zones is a wonderful idea to cultivate deeper conversation, more beneficial rest and complex thought and understanding on anything we may be wrestling with.
I had the opportunity to visit with a handful of my former students last week, and I was inspired and absolutely impressed with something they shared with me regarding technology. When going out for a meal together or sitting around having their lunch, they will institute a policy of placing their phones in the middle of the table so that they actually are looking at each other instead of looking at their phones and commenting on each other's social media pages. I had to applaud! What a savvy and simple idea. And when there is buy-in and an understanding of the benefits from the majority of the group, it's that much easier to do. So I want to send a thank you to my students for teaching me something yet again. They never cease to amaze me.
On the topic of technology, a post from the archives you might enjoy . . .
